Adventures in the North Country

Last night I finished my very first sock! And, miracle of miracles, it fits my foot beautifully. By some accident of fate, it is a custom fit. Ken suggested that I start knitting the other sock right away before I forget how to turn the heel and knit the gusset. So last night I started right in, and horror of horrors, I'm now knitting much, much tighter than when I began the first sock. Would ripping it out and starting again on size three needles instead of size two help? Would ripping it out and consciously trying to knit more loosely help? Who knows? There are too many variables here. Anyway, the finished sock is going to be a terrific boot sock. I wish I had a way to load a photo of it today, but being far from home makes this impossible. I think I mentioned in an earlier post that I used the sport-weight Reggia multi-colored yarn--reds, pinks, navy blue, magenta, and lavender. A little strange, but I love crazy socks.

So how did I learn to turn the heel? David, the owner of Morningside Camps and Cottages, suggested that I visit Betty in Olmstedville, which I did on Sunday. Her shop was full and she was very busy, so she called her friend Diane McNally down the road. Diane asked me to come over and I did. Such hospitality among knitters! She interrupted her lawn mowing to show me how to do it and I was extremely grateful. Diane is a fifth grade teacher and a veteran knitter. She says she finds knitting a great way to relax. In the evenings, she has her knitting and her husband has his remote, she says.

I'm dying to visit an alpaca farm nearby in Wevertown. Evidently they sell yarn and clothing made from the wool of their alpaca herd.

I've been having an incredible time paddling on the lake. Yesterday was probably the most beautiful morning since we've arrived. I luxuriated in the warm sun and paddled and meditated in glorious solitude. Perfection!